HomeMy WebLinkAboutTelecommunications Board - Minutes - 10/07/2003TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
***October 7, 2003* ****
*** 6:00 PM ***
Council Liaison:
Kurt Kastein
Staff Liaison:
Liz Stroh
Chairperson:
Lawrence Bontempo
Phone: 484-3980
(W)
Members Present: Larry Bontempo, Curt Cramer, Herb Saperstone, Tim Tillson,
Braun Mincher, David Heiburg
Members Absent: Rob Kellner
City Staff Present: Eric Dahlgren, Liz Stroh
Guests: Dave Stepisnik, Stan Reifschneider - Comcast
Chair Larry Bontempo called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM
Minutes:
Tim Tillson made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted, seconded by Curt
Cramer. Motion was passed unanimously.
Comcast Update:
Stan introduced Dave Stepisnik, the local technical operations manager here in Fort
Collins. Dave described a new method Comcast used in August to handle the high
number of connect requests from the university student population. In some of the
larger apartment complexes, Comcast set up a remote connection to their computer
system and hired contractors so customers could register and have their cable hooked
up on the same day. This technique worked well, and Comcast plans to expand it next
year. Stan reported that complaint statistics were down overall and that aside from a
few install problems, the effort went very smoothly.
Stan also mentioned that one of Comcast's lines had been cut, but they were able to
reroute the programming by means of an OC3 in Greeley. The redundant system
worked well, and the interruption was invisible to customers.
Download speeds for Comcast's high speed internet access system will be doubled by
late first quarter, 2004. Stan explained that the current 1.5 mg is not adequate during
peak usage. No price increase is planned.
12/04/03
Also in 2004, Comcast plans to launch a high definition TV product. Tests have yet to
be completed in Fort Collins to verify adequate bandwidth for a similar service here.
Market information indicates that High Definition is a product that customers want.
Since the price of that technology is coming down, Comcast is positioning itself to be
ready to supply the product as the demand grows. Again, the service would not cost
more except for one time charges for additional equipment that would be needed.
Braun asked about the cable cut and how Comcast recovers losses and repair costs.
Stan explained that the company has a formula that includes the number of customer
affected, the cost to repair and other factors/..
Herb Saperstone asked about bandwidth as it relates to high definition. He wondered
about compression, and how that might affect the delivery, as well as potential impacts
for the PEG stations.
Tim Tillson complimented Stan about the improvement in customer service response
for the cable modem service. A recent call was handled by a customer service
representative that was knowledgeable about the problem and resolved the situation
quickly.
Herb asked whether the 9"' Circuit Court decision would have impact on Comcast. Stan
explained the decision clarifies that cable modem service is not considered part of the
cable service. There is other litigation related to a requirement for cable providers to
open their high speed networks to internet access competitors. That decision is yet to
be made, and could impact Comcast.
Franchise Renewal Update
Liz provided the Board with a memo that outlined the process for renewal of the cable
TV franchise a99reement between Comcast and the City. A public meeting is scheduled
for October 29 at 7 PM. Board members are invited to attend.
Liz explained that the needs assessment phase will include this meeting as well as
surveys to a random sample of residents, neighborhood associations, businesses, the
School District, CSU and other stakeholders.
The Board agreed that a portion of each meeting will be dedicated to discussing
activities and issues regarding the renewal.
Adjourn:
Braun Mincher moved to adjourn, seconded by Herb Saperstone. The motion passed
unanim ly. Th hair ad' urned the meeting at 7:05 PM.
Date
11/25/03